Meet Lala's Mandalas

21 hours ago
2 min read

honey glazed walnuts — Micheala of Lala's Mandalas

Where are you from & how does that affect your work? I’m initially from CNY, but lived for many years in North Carolina, and now on the West Coast. Having lived in different cultures and regions impacts the symbols and stories found in my artwork. I especially love painting nature and using colors that I see in the west, it’s incredibly beautiful and inspiring here. I’m a very driven artist and person, and I believe this is strongly influenced by my New York upbringing.

What is your biggest influence? I was initially attracted to begin creating mandala art as a personal healing modality. Creating mandalas is a very meditative process, and so my art started as a creative and healing outlet for myself, and was never intended to be seen. In terms of me getting into painting and live art, Alfredo Zagaceta has been a significant influence on me, and really showed me what’s possible with UV paint in particular. I have been into UV art and creating UV-reactive art since I was a little kid, and his work is incredible, and completely moved me when I first saw it. Nature, geometrics, feminine themes, and often my personal experiences and items are also very influential to my work and are usually the subjects within my paintings.

What is the hardest part of the creation process?

I think the most challenging part of my process is the UV and sometimes glow layering, and needing to have the right level of darkness and UV lighting to see what I’m doing. This limits me to either finding a dark space during the day, or lots of late night/early morning painting.

What's your favorite item that you've created, and why?

"Transition" - Michaela's favorite piece

My favorite piece that I’ve created to-date is called ‘Transition’ - she’s still being worked on but is getting close to being finished. It’s a very personal piece to me, representing my journey to find peace after major loss, heartbreak and life changes.

What do you love most about Santa Barbara? McConnell’s ice cream

Also one of our favs! hahah - what is a fun fact about yourself that other may not expect? As another creative outlet, I really love to dance, any kind, but especially ballroom and latin dance. I have even competed in adult Irish dance.

Love that <3 Anything special you'd like to share? I greatly enjoy creating multi-sensory experiences and connecting with the community through art and events. I aim to make a positive difference in the world through art and creation, and to uplift my community. I also offer beginner mandala painting classes for those interested in learning and experiencing meditation through mandala creation.